Monta Ellis-to-Magic rumors gain new traction

It seems unlikely that the Warriors would part with Monta Ellis,… (Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE,…)

March 12, 2012|By Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel

The Monta Ellis-to-the-Orlando Magic rumors continue to make the rounds.

In fact, those rumors gained new traction Monday when reports surfaced that the Magic have intensified their efforts to acquire Ellis, perhaps in a three-team trade that also would see the New Orleans Hornets send center Chris Kaman to the Warriors.

Magic General Manager Otis Smith did not return a message for comment.

It seems unlikely that the Warriors would part with Ellis, a 26-year-old shooting guard whom Howard likes.

Warriors owner Joe Lacob is said to covet Howard for Golden State and would not do anything that would help the Magic retain the perennial All-Star center.

Heat hype

Because of all the Howard talk, tonight's game between the Magic and the Miami Heat at Amway Center almost certainly is the least-hyped Magic-Heat matchup since LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade.

"We know they're very, very good," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said. "They're extremely talented. They've got — let's say conservatively — three of the top 12 players in the league on one team. So defensively your work's really cut out for you.

"But I think our offense is really key in that game. It's not necessarily a matter of how many points we score. But we can't be turning the ball over. We can't be jacking up bad shots. We've got to be able to move the ball against their defense, which is a very quick, very aggressive defense, and get good shots."

Part of the reason for getting good shots?

Doing so would help the Magic set themselves on defense, protect the paint and prevent layups, free throws and fastbreak points.

Layups

•The Magic had Monday off.

•Hedo Turkoglu will return to the Magic lineup tonight after he sat out Sunday night's win as he served a one-game NBA suspension.

•After picking up a technical foul on Sunday, Howard now has eight techs this season. He would receive a one-game suspension if he picks up a 13th tech and an additional one-game suspension for each two additional techs thereafter.